McSorley's Old Ale House

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Reviews by Hibernator:

3.85/5 rDev +6.4%vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5

McSorley's is without question a legendary beer bar located in the East Village. When I stepped inside I felt like I was transported to a different time and place. Seasoned wood floors lay the foundation. A big wooden bar runs the right side and large tables provide seating. There is a constant flow of customers coming in and out. There appeared to be a good mix of locals and tourists. This place is saturated in history with old pictures, pins and political paraphernalia.

As far as beer selection goes, there are simply two options; light & dark. I tried both during my visit. Their beers are solid and very quaffable. It also helps the presentation when they're served in durable glass mugs. You order two a clip and before you know it, you're ready for another round. Beers are $2.25 each and looked like 10 oz pours.

The atmosphere here is truly the highlight. There is so much to take in. Recommend for it's historic significance and communal, festive beer drinking vibe.

More User Reviews:

Always was a fun stop when in my 20s. Nice to return to same.
Read Joseph Mitchell's New Yorker piece. Pub is sawdust, simple and old... " a time machine back to the 1800s." Liverwurst & Onion sandwich is a must, beer selection is poor.

If you've ever read Joseph Mitchell's classic New Yorker piece about this place, or even if you haven't, it's worth the visit. This is the kind of place I love, simple and old. You walk out of the street in one of the most ridiculous, wealthy cities in the world and enter a time machine back to the 1800s. The ales are simple and standard, the service is outstanding, and the selection of light and dark ale is good enough for me.

This is a place to go to check off your bucket list. For the beer snob, you might thumb your nose at "light or dark" being the only option but if so you shouldn't be here. It's an experience. Mugs served 2 at a time in a dirty old hole in the wall Irish pub. It's an awesome experience, but not a place I'd go frequently.

This place is simply an institution. Light or Dark are your only beer options and they are both fantastic. You don't come here for the food, just the beer and the atmosphere, both of which are top notch. This place is traditional down to the saw dust on the floor a must go to for anyone who enjoys a bar with an old style.

Pick light or dark! One of the oldest bars in NYC, McSorley's is famous for its men only policy up to 1970. Saw dust floor and relics everywhere, it's a time capsule of a by gone era. The beer comes by the fist fulls, and goes down quick. Get used to making new friends, as no chairs go unused. Unless you are a fan of cheese and onions, grab a slice before hand.